BearsBeat.com 2009 Draft Board: Fullbacks

Here’s a look at how I feel about the 2009 fullback prospects. The order may change as draft day nears.

1. Tony Fiammetta – SyracuseHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 246 | 40-time: 4.58What I like about him: He’s a tough, hard-nosed blocker and well built. Plays with discipline and sound technique. He’s a good short-yardage runner for goal line and third- or fourth-and-short situations.What I don’t like about him: He’s not the most graceful runner and sometimes blocks too high.

2. Quinn Johnson – Louisiana StateHeight: 6-1 | Weight: 251 | 40-time: 4.80What I like about him: He’s a head hunter and aggressively seeks out defenders to block.What I don’t like about him: Is a non-factor in the passing game and sometimes has trouble adjusting his block while on the move.
3. Brannan Southerland – GeorgiaHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 248 | 40-time: 4.65What I like about him: He’s a smart player who knows his assignments and where to be at the right time. He’s got good work ethic and he’s respected by his teammates.What I don’t like about him: He’s not the most gifted athlete in the world and needs to sustain his blocks better. He’s had durability issues as well.
4. Conredge Collins – PittsburghHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 230 | 40-time: N/AWhat I like about him: He’s a good leader and an intense competitor. He was a three-year starter at fullback. He’s got good burst through the hole and capable hands as a receiver.What I don’t like about him: He was a converted tailback and lacks the ideal size for a fullback. Questionable toughness for the position as well.
5. Chris Pressley – WisconsinHeight: 6-1 | Weight: 259 | 40-time: 4.73What I like about him: He’s got good size and does a good job of halting defenders in their tracks. He only knows one direction, too: up the field.What I don’t like about him: He doesn’t have much speed or elusiveness so can’t carry the ball very well. He could have durability issues.
6. Brock Bolen – LouisvilleHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 238 | 40-time: N/AWhat I like about him: He’s got decent size and speed and runs hard. He’s a high-character guy.What I don’t like about him: He’s a cross between a tailback and fullback without a true position. He may struggle with his blocking at the next level.
7. Jorvorskie Lane – Texas A&MHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 295 | 40-time: 4.71What I like about him: He’s a versatile player with decent blocking ability and is a great short-yardage runner.What I don’t like about him: He was more of a tailback in his first three years before crossing over as a senior. He’s got to learn to pickup blitzes better.
Others:
Collin Mooney – Army
Eddie Williams – Idaho
Eric Kettani – Navy
Jason Cook – Mississippi
Marcus Mailei – Weber State
Travis McCall – Alabama
Will Ta’ufo’ou – California
Zeek Zacharie – Louisiana-Monroe